Grilled tuna jaw is a culinary treasure, offering a tantalizing blend of smoky flavors and tender, juicy meat. This dish, known for its unique preparation and zesty marinade, promises a satisfying experience for seafood lovers. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with complementary sides, grilled tuna jaw is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their seafood repertoire.
Ingredients Overview
The marinade and basting sauce are the heart of this recipe, creating layers of flavor that enhance the natural taste of the tuna. Soy sauce serves as the base, adding a savory depth, while brown sugar and white sugar bring a subtle sweetness that balances the dish. Garlic and red chili infuse the marinade with a delightful kick, complemented by the tangy zest of calamansi or lime juice. For the basting sauce, a simple combination of soy sauce and sugar provides a glaze that enhances the smokiness of the grilled tuna. Fresh tuna jaw is essential for this recipe, as its rich, meaty texture absorbs the marinade beautifully and holds up well during grilling.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Marinating the Tuna Jaw
Marinating the tuna overnight is a crucial step in this recipe. The extended marination time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the fish, ensuring every bite is infused with savory goodness. To achieve even coating, place the tuna jaw in a resealable bag and pour the marinade inside, ensuring the fish is fully submerged. Removing excess air from the bag helps the marinade cling closely to the fish, maximizing flavor absorption.
Preparing the Basting Sauce
The basting sauce is the secret to a perfectly caramelized glaze on the grilled tuna. Mix soy sauce with white sugar until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth and glossy sauce. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to suit your taste, ensuring it complements the marinade. A pinch of chili flakes or a squeeze of lime juice can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
Grilling Instructions
Setting Up the Grill
For optimal results, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature ensures the fish cooks evenly without drying out. To prevent sticking, lightly oil the cooking grate or use a grilling basket for easier handling. A clean, well-prepared grill is essential for achieving those sought-after char marks that add to the dish’s visual and flavor appeal.
Grilling Process
Start by placing the marinated tuna jaw on the preheated grill. Brush the top generously with the prepared basting sauce, allowing it to caramelize and enhance the smoky flavor. Grill each side for the recommended time, ensuring even cooking. Flip the tuna carefully to maintain its integrity, basting as needed to keep it moist and flavorful. The goal is to achieve a slightly charred exterior while maintaining the tender, juicy texture of the fish.
Recipe Tips
Always use fresh tuna jaw for the best flavor and texture. Frozen alternatives can work but may not yield the same results.
If calamansi or lime is unavailable, substitute with lemon juice or vinegar for a similar tangy effect.
Adjust the amount of chili in the marinade to match your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chili before adding them.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Grilled tuna jaw pairs beautifully with simple yet flavorful sides. Steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice are excellent options, as their mild flavors let the tuna shine. Grilled vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add a smoky complement to the dish. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. A dipping sauce of soy sauce, lime juice, and chopped chili adds a zesty kick to each bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of tuna for this recipe?
Yes, while tuna jaw is preferred for its meaty texture, cuts like tuna steak or belly can also work well. Adjust the grilling time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
What type of grill works best for this dish?
Both charcoal and gas grills work well. Charcoal grills provide a smoky flavor, while gas grills offer more control over temperature.
How can I tell if the tuna is fully cooked without overcooking?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork but remains moist. Watch for slight caramelization on the surface and ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for food safety.
Grilled tuna jaw is a flavorful and satisfying dish that highlights the natural richness of fresh seafood. Its zesty marinade and caramelized glaze create a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for casual gatherings or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Fire up the grill, prepare the marinade, and savor this smoky, tender seafood masterpiece!
Ingredients
Tuna Marinade
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
5 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
1 cup soy sauce
9 pieces red chili
¼ cup brown sugar
2 pieces lime or 4 pieces calamansi
Tuna Basting Sauce
½ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions
Combine the soy sauce, lime juice, ground black pepper, and red chili in a medium-sized bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Add the minced garlic and brown sugar to the mixture. Stir well until the sugar has completely dissolved and the marinade is smooth.
Place the tuna jaw into a resealable plastic bag. Carefully pour the marinade into the bag, ensuring the tuna is fully coated. Remove any excess air from the bag before sealing it. Transfer the sealed bag to the refrigerator and allow the tuna to marinate overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Prepare the basting sauce by mixing the soy sauce and white sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated tuna jaw on the cooking grate. Generously brush the top of the fish with the prepared basting sauce. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes.
Carefully turn the tuna over to cook the other side. Baste the top and sides with the sauce. Continue grilling for an additional 5 minutes.
Flip the tuna jaw again to ensure even cooking. Allow this side to grill for 5 to 7 minutes, basting as needed.
For the final grilling, flip the tuna jaw one last time and cook the opposite side for 5 more minutes, ensuring the fish is fully cooked and slightly charred.
Once done, transfer the grilled tuna jaw to a serving plate. Serve it with a zesty dipping sauce made by combining soy sauce, lime juice, and chopped chili.
Enjoy this savory and flavorful dish with your loved ones!
Grilled Tuna Jaw Recipe
Ingredients
Tuna Marinade
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic crushed and minced
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 9 pieces red chili
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 pieces lime or 4 pieces calamansi
Tuna Basting Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions
- Combine the soy sauce, lime juice, ground black pepper, and red chili in a medium-sized bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Add the minced garlic and brown sugar to the mixture. Stir well until the sugar has completely dissolved and the marinade is smooth.
- Place the tuna jaw into a resealable plastic bag. Carefully pour the marinade into the bag, ensuring the tuna is fully coated. Remove any excess air from the bag before sealing it. Transfer the sealed bag to the refrigerator and allow the tuna to marinate overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
- Prepare the basting sauce by mixing the soy sauce and white sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated tuna jaw on the cooking grate. Generously brush the top of the fish with the prepared basting sauce. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Carefully turn the tuna over to cook the other side. Baste the top and sides with the sauce. Continue grilling for an additional 5 minutes.
- Flip the tuna jaw again to ensure even cooking. Allow this side to grill for 5 to 7 minutes, basting as needed.
- For the final grilling, flip the tuna jaw one last time and cook the opposite side for 5 more minutes, ensuring the fish is fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Once done, transfer the grilled tuna jaw to a serving plate. Serve it with a zesty dipping sauce made by combining soy sauce, lime juice, and chopped chili.
- Enjoy this savory and flavorful dish with your loved ones!
